A pack of resealable bags costing around £1 could be a valuable addition to hand luggage, helping travellers keep smaller personal items separate from frequently touched surfaces on a plane, according to a microbiologist.
Dr Mario Hupfeld, a representative of NEMIS Technologies AG, shared the advice in partnership with Icelandair as flu season begins. He recommends carrying resealable bags to protect personal belongings and reduce direct contact with areas such as seat-back pockets.
“A pack of £1 resealable bags can be a useful addition to your hand luggage, helping to keep smaller personal belongings together and minimise direct contact with frequently touched areas of the plane, such as seat-back pockets,” he said.
Rising Flu Activity in England
The guidance comes as the latest UK Health Security Agency surveillance report recorded a rise in flu test positivity in England, from 6.8 per cent to 7.6 per cent in the week ending November 1. However, UKHSA described overall flu activity as circulating at low levels, rather than above baseline.
Research tracking passenger movements on 10 transcontinental flights in the US found a low probability of direct transmission of droplet-spread respiratory infections to people seated more than one metre from an infectious passenger. The researchers stressed that their findings were based on a model of passenger movements, rather than tracking actual infections during those flights.
Additional Hygiene Tips for Travellers
Dr Hupfeld also recommends taking a clean pillowcase for use over a travel pillow, particularly on longer journeys. He says a pillow used by multiple people can collect sweat, skin oils and microorganisms, so keeping a clean layer between the pillow and your face may be helpful.
Hand hygiene is another consideration before eating on board. The NHS advises washing hands with soap and water where possible, or using alcohol-based hand sanitiser when a sink is not available. Dr Hupfeld warns that sanitiser is not a complete substitute for washing, particularly when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. He also suggests cleaning your phone before eating, as it is frequently handled and can pick up germs from different surfaces.
For those wanting extra precautions, he recommends considering a face mask if sitting close to someone who is coughing, particularly for people who are immunocompromised. The UK Health Security Agency also says well-fitting face coverings can help reduce the spread of respiratory infections in crowded or enclosed spaces.
While no packing trick can guarantee protection from infection, a few small preparations could help make a flight more comfortable and reduce avoidable contact with shared surfaces.
